Turle Knot

The Turle Knot, often misspelled as the “Turtle Knot,” is named after Major Turle of Devon, England, who popularized it in the 19th century. This knot occupies a unique niche in fly fishing because it cinches around the hook shank behind the eye rather than tightening against the eye itself. This design ensures that the tippet pulls in a perfectly straight line with the hook shank, which is critical when fishing with turned-down eye hooks common on classic wet flies and many nymph patterns. For anglers who prioritize fly presentation and natural drift, the Turle Knot delivers an alignment that few other terminal connections can match.

How to Tie

1. Thread the tag end of the tippet through the hook eye from the front, pulling about eight inches of line through.
2. Form a loose overhand knot in the tag end, creating a simple loop. Do not tighten this loop yet.
3. Pass the tag end through the loop a second time to create a double overhand knot, which forms the improved Turle Knot variation for added security.
4. Pass the entire fly through the open loop so that the loop encircles the fly body and rests behind the hook eye on the shank.
5. Moisten the knot with water or saliva to lubricate the wraps before tightening.
6. Pull the standing line slowly to tighten the loop, ensuring it cinches snugly around the hook shank directly behind the eye.
7. Trim the tag end close to the finished knot, leaving a small nub of about one-sixteenth of an inch.

When to Use

• When fishing turned-down eye hooks, particularly classic wet fly patterns and traditional nymphs where straight-line alignment matters.
• When a perfectly aligned fly presentation is necessary for imitating natural insect movement in the current.
• When swinging wet flies downstream where the straight pull helps the fly track naturally without cocking to one side.
• When tying on flies with a large gap between the shank and the eye where other knots might cause the fly to sit at an angle.
• When fishing low and clear water where even slight imperfections in fly alignment can reduce strikes from selective fish.

Pro Tips

• Always use the double overhand version (improved Turle Knot) rather than the single overhand version. The single version is notorious for slipping under load, while the double overhand adds significant security with minimal extra effort.
• This knot works best with monofilament and fluorocarbon tippet in lighter pound tests. Avoid using it with braided line or heavy leaders, as the knot relies on friction against the hook shank that thick lines cannot achieve.
• When passing the fly through the loop, hold the hook carefully by the bend to avoid pricking your fingers. On windy days, trap the fly against your rod grip while manipulating the loop into position.
• Test the knot by giving the fly several firm tugs before casting. The Turle Knot has lower raw breaking strength than some alternatives, so verifying each connection helps you avoid losing a fish to a poorly tied knot.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Creates a perfectly straight-line pull between the tippet and the hook shank, which is unmatched by most other terminal knots.
• Ideal for turned-down eye hooks, which are very common in traditional and classic fly patterns.
• Relatively simple to tie once the technique is understood, with only a few steps required.
• Allows wet flies and nymphs to swim and drift naturally without cocking sideways in the current.

Cons:

• Lower breaking strength at around 75% compared to knots like the clinch or Palomar, so it is less suitable for fighting large fish on light tippet.
• The single overhand version slips easily and should generally be avoided in favor of the double overhand improved variation.
• Not effective with straight-eye or turned-up eye hooks, limiting its versatility across different hook styles.
• Requires passing the entire fly through the loop during tying, which can be cumbersome with large or heavily dressed flies and in cold or windy conditions.